Palmer the one to keep the bastards honest?

Clive Palmer and his Palmer United Party are in a unique position to really make a difference, writes John Hewson.

Timing is everything in politics, said British prime minister William Gladstone, and it seems the time is right for the emergence of a new political force in Australian politics. A key and immediate question is whether that new political force will be Clive Palmer and his Palmer United Party.

Looking back at Australian political history, another political figure stands out for his timing. In the run up to the 1980 election, the founder of the Australian Democrats Don Chipp coined the phrase "to keep the bastards honest." At the time, the circumstances were right for a third political force to hold the balance of power in the Federal Senate after the turmoil and disappointments of the Whitlam and early Fraser era.

I would suggest that while the circumstances were right for a new political force in the late 1970s, they are even more right today. The electorate's disenchantment with the two major political parties today is much more significant and pervasive than it was in the late 1970s.

Both the Coalition and Labor seem almost obsessed with themselves and obsessed to merely win the 24-hour media game by playing short-term, opportunistic, increasingly personal, mostly negative, point-scoring politics. It has left an increasingly disturbing policy vacuum, whereby issues and challenges are not dealt with adequately, and problems are left to drift and mount.

They increasingly pursue personal, party and short-term political interests at the expense of the national interest. Nevertheless, they satisfy themselves that they are listening to, and are in tune with, the electorate as they refine their daily media strategy of messages and sound bites based on polling and the results of focus group surveys. They are at the stage where they often generate their own evidence, and develop their own models, which they then use to validate their arguments.

As a result, the major parties are increasingly incapable of seeing issues and challenges as the majority of the electorate sees them, and subsequently fail to respond accordingly and acceptably. The recent rerun of the Senate election in Western Australia clearly emphasised the growing dislike and distrust of the major parties.

The long held view that most governments in Australia can count on getting a second term is quickly evaporating. It seems most unlikely that the Napthine Government in Victoria will get re-elected and Queensland's Campbell Newman is already in significant electoral strife. However, as a "new broom", Mike Baird will probably survive in New South Wales. Similarly, the Abbott Government has enjoyed one of the shortest honeymoons in history for a new national government.

The electorate is becoming far less tolerant of poor performance and is far less likely to be swayed by spin. Election promises actually matter.

The electorate wants to be told the truth. They want the challenges explained and the possible policy responses spelt out in detail. They want governments to pull all of this together into a vision or overarching narrative, which clearly identifies and integrates the key elements of the government's policies in response to the issues and challenges identified.

To take the mining tax and pricing carbon as examples, the electorate is now finding it hard to understand how we have ended up where we are given the strong initial support for action on climate change and the initial support from the mining industry itself for increased taxation. The result has been a pretty torturous political process that runs counter to common sense and decency, as it has with the position on asylum seekers, electoral funding/lobbying, the budget, health, education, science and inequality.

For these, and a myriad of other reasons, it seems the time is again right for the emergence of a new political force in Australian politics. Will it be Clive Palmer?

Clearly, it could be, but whether it will be will depend very much on Clive, on the strategy that he finalises and the way he then manages it. Palmer has already surprised many traditional pundits, both in terms of his success in the recent Federal election, and more recently in state and federal polling. He has already demonstrated that he can influence Senate outcomes and thereby effectively hold the Government to account. But at best, this is - to borrow from Churchill - the end of a rudimentary beginning – not yet, even the beginning of the end.

If Palmer initially focuses his strategy on the more modest objective of seeking to hold the balance of power, in both State and Federal Upper Houses, rather than attempting to win government in his own right, he can exert a substantial influence.

In time, of course, depending on his capacity and success in building his party and an electoral constituency, he may also seek to run a significant number of candidates in Lower House elections; seeking to hold the balance of power there too, even ultimately being able to succeed in forcing PUP into a coalition government.

However, it is a massive exercise to attract the right candidates and build and fund a broad-based, grass-roots movement; the challenge of which should not be underestimated. Look at the difficulty the two major parties are presently having in attracting candidates and in building and funding relevant and participatory organisations. More modest initial objectives are more likely to lay the basis for longer-tem success, especially as resources and focus will be fundamentally important as he builds.

In policy terms, the imperative would be to work from some fairly clearly defined and simple principles, against which Government/Opposition policies would be assessed. PUP should focus its own detailed policy alternatives on just a few key issues. To have credibility, the focus would need to be on long-term issues which are in the national interest. Their mission should be to drag the two major parties more into the debate and towards more sensible and defensible outcomes.

As to particular constituencies, you can't go past the "battlers" as a principal focus. Although somewhat ill defined, they are the key ignored and disenfranchised group being ravaged by cost of living pressures, job/education/health/housing insecurities, poor transport and other infrastructure failures.

So, can Clive do it? Can a wealthy, self-opinionated, sometimes polarising, sometimes volatile mining magnate with some, let's say, "whacky ideas" deliver the focus, discipline and structure needed to emerge as an effective and sustainable third political force in Australia? Can PUP be trusted to hold the balance of power?

Palmer will have his issues. His personal foibles, values and business interests will come to the fore, and they will need to be explained and managed. Some will baulk at the risk that wealth can buy power, bringing with it the worst elements of American politics.

But my guess is he will be mostly judged on outcomes and, as such, he is in a unique position to really make a difference. His timing is simply excellent.

John Hewson AM is the former federal opposition and Liberal Party leader and is a professor and chair in the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute, at the Australian National University's Crawford School of Public Policy. View his full profile here.

Comments (240)

damon:

14 Jul 2014 3:01:19pm

If Palmer can manage to stay out of jail following his dispute with the Chinese, it might be time to talk about his future. But I wouldn't put money on it. Does "I don't remember" strike a familiar chord?

Rabbithole:

A good diversion from the real elephant in the room. Why is PUP in parliament? Why are people pissed with the ALPLNPGr's stitch up?

Whats a democracy, a choice between the lesser of two evils or 226 independent members who put their constituents interests before those of their boss?

We've been fooled into believing that the ALPLNP gangs work for the public interest. They don't, they work for political donations from foreign governments and foreign corporations. They have changed the constitution (and do so every year at COAG) to centralise power and disenfranchise the people.

ConstGuy:

14 Jul 2014 6:48:41pm

Rabbithole,May I point out, the constitution can only be changed with a referendum - a majority of voters in a majority of states have to vote 'yes' to the change. COAG wouldn't be touching the constitution.

Stephen W S:

14 Jul 2014 8:29:50pm

Technically correct but if the State Premiers do not take a case to the High Court to dispute Federal powers then it is a moot point.

Why would the Premiers go to court if they are getting more money and less direct political problems for under funding state services. People are really confused as to what is a Federal responsibility vs what is state responsibility. That was purpose in their agreeing to funding arrangements and conditions from time to time that may or may not 100% legal under our constitution.

Maybe this cosy arrangement will change if the budget put forward by the Abbott/Hockey/Cormann led LNP federal government a few months ago gets up. The reason I say this is the current Federal is pushing education and health spending responsibility back to the states while in real terms cutting their funding from the Federal government. Maybe we might even see another test case on the constitutional validity of current taxing arrangements?

Rabbithole:

Thats what the constitution says but its not what the ALPLNP say. It gets changed every year by the ALPLNP at COAG, but the media is too concerned about former athletes sex lives to care.

It just goes to show how corrupt the ALPLNP are when everybody else knows the law except the ruling elite who are all paid off by the NWO. Thats what you get under a duo-dictatorship gangland system of politics, its not democratic at all. Its the centralisation of power to profit the corporations/political donors.

Oaktree:

14 Jul 2014 9:46:39pm

Why is PUP in parliament? Well, why is Palmer in parliament:

He wants India to have an ETS before we jump in: "Number one, there's an ETS in the following basket of countries which include India, China, South Korea, Japan, the United States and the [EU] - they've got to have a national ETS for ours to be effective," he said.

"Secondly, the price of carbon has got to be such that it doesn't affect our business competitiveness with those countries'. ABC report on Just In 9.39pm 14th July 14.

Rabbithole:

15 Jul 2014 8:24:23am

Oaktree,

He wouldn't be in power unless he had buckets of money to compete with the ALPLNP corporations and people were over the ALPLNPGr's monopoly.

As for the CO@ tax, regulating future development doesn't costs cent, raising taxes is what the gangs are all about, hence the CO2 tax/ETS which prescribe legalising pollution and the destruction of the earth.

ivan:

15 Jul 2014 7:24:09am

Rabbithole you seem to be one of the few who actually "get" our system of government.The other posters to this forum that want to dissagree with you and argue another point of view either work for the two majors or lack a certain intelligence to grasp your concepts, or maybe both.Keep posting to effect a change!

Rabbithole:

15 Jul 2014 8:17:14am

Ivan,

Much appreciated. Its a shame ordinary citizens are left to the job of the media and inform the people what the ALPLNP government is really up to. Its not much fun though, i have received about 10 threatening emails already this morning from US based corporations threatening legal action and its only 8am.

To top it off the gov cuts people health care cards etc if you speak out, so u cant afford to get tooth aches fixed or get antibiotics for infections or anything. This is the ALPLNP Australia. The greatest failure of democracy since the fall of Rome.

To properly understand the government and the ALPLNPGr'sPUP gangland system, you have to go right the way through the system to realize that every single government department whether it be local state or federal is corrupt as all hell and all totally pathetic. Thats why Pubic Servants get paid so well, so they sell out the public interests for the sake of getting rich.

Its a total failure in my opinion. If anyone disputes, i suggest looking at the growth in the rates of cancer since the introduction of 2,4-D i.e Synthetic Estrogen, in the food chain and then look at how the government is actually sponsoring people to get sick and suffer. Cancer rates have tripled sine chemical companies have been contaminating the population and paying off the ALPLNP.

There's a lot of money in cancer and Big Pharma is making an absolute killing at tax payers expense. The ALPLNP government allows estrogen contamination of the population so that Chemical companies make money at the front while big pharma makes mega bucks at the back when people get hormone related cancers and require expensive/profitable estrogen blockers.

Ask the ALPLNPGrPUP about the illegal use of GLORICIDE/Agent Orange and how many people its killed and what they are doing about. The answer is nil, they are actually lying about it to encouraging people to use and die.

Prmkff:

Rabbithole:

15 Jul 2014 1:07:47pm

Prmkff,

On that note, the more 2,4-D you consume the higher your estrogen levels are and the more prone you are to Hormone Related Cancers.

Thats why the cancer rate has tripled and is not going down. Its the government selling us out. The APVMA do not care how many people they cause the death off, supposedly no one has any 'Standing at Law' with them, even if they are responsible as regulators. they are complete bunch of stooges and are causing innocent people to suffer at the hands of there professional and deliberate negligence. Send them all to jail.

Paul:

15 Jul 2014 8:39:45am

Australian democracy is fundamentally broken and the population has a deep yearning for something better. When you see both leaders with negative net approval ratings it's clear people aren't being offered the political choices they want. Timing is indeed important and there has never been a better time for someone to be offering the people of Australia an Alternative. The sad reality is that political parties are now being elected as least as much on the strength of people who can't bring themselves to vote for the other mob as they are true believers.

Clive isn't the choice most people are looking for, but he is at least a choice. That is refreshing and new, it is exciting and it will see him achieve success that extends beyond the merits of his policies. He is already changing the political landscape of this country. If the entrenched parties continue to serve up more of the same he will no doubt go on to become a significant force in Australian politics.

Rabbithole:

15 Jul 2014 9:29:41am

Paul,

That is exactly the way it is. People are sick of the ALPLNP gang boom bust sell off.

Gangwarfare is how democracy has been taken over by the NWO, all we are left with is a choice between chocolate flavored poo or poo flavored chocolate, both rather distasteful and takes a lot of very expensive marketing, brainwashing and propaganda to sell those 2 products to the masses.

But the people apparently love the stuff, maybe because thats all the food on the shelf, maybe its because they are stupid and dont have a garden and have to eat the crap these gangs serve up.

The NWO have made politics a very expensive business so that money will always rule politicians and the public interest. You have to have buckets of money to get into parliament and the only ones with money are the NWO and the odd dig it up burn it off Coal Miners.

LK:

15 Jul 2014 3:02:19pm

A similar thing happened recently in the UK with the UKIP Party. An election in May saw UKIP taking a large amount of the vote off the major parties. It shocked everyone and was a major wake-up call to David Cameron and the party. People had lost faith in the major parties and were tired of the broken promises, corruption and incompetance. They want real answers to their many problems and UKIP seemed to be listening to them. I see Clive Palmer and PUP in a similar light. People just aren't buying into the lies and incompetance of Liberal and Labor anymore. If they don't lift their game, people will look to alternatives like PUP.

bonzono:

Mining in general is heavily dependent on the use, and sale of petroleum products.

The issue is about limiting or penalising the use of coal and petroleum products.

your point seems to be that a aggressive mining magnate, who's livelihood depends on the sale of stuff hauled out of the ground, is likely to act in a way that will limit, restrict, or make less financially efficient, the sale of stuff hauled out of the ground...?

homerami:

stupendus:

15 Jul 2014 9:38:12am

You can count the number of members with integrity on one hand, and none of them are from the two main parties. Palmer has had a big effect already, he has done what he said he would do and he didnt let the Libs trick him. He is no fool and as for his business dealings, there is more to that than is being reported, sure there are a few grey areas and yes he is "involved" with the Chinese but dont judge him too soon, he may act for Plamer but he acts for Australia as well, something that cant be said for the members of major political parties who are tied to the party line above all else.

Bill:

SueB:

15 Jul 2014 7:26:54am

Really, Bill?

(Putting aside your pretty lame personal attack - is that the best you've got? - the PUP senators wanted to have unconstitutional amendments enacted into law. The independent advice to them was that the amendments wouldn't pass. The PUP senators withdrew the amendments.

What do you say to that.

As an extra, the independent and much respected adviser was abused and threatened by the leader of PUP.

Stuffed Olive:

15 Jul 2014 9:31:32am

What I know Sue is what I have read. Abbott did not present the agreed wording of the legislation - minor penalty and no guarantee that all price increases would be passed back. Clive tried to rectify it. Abbott and his mob buggered it up and it was they who had imposed the impossible time limit. I was watching the Senate on the day. Abbott and his lot totally stuffed up. I don't blame PUP and good on them for seeing that they were stitched up.

China:

Stuffed Olive:

15 Jul 2014 10:24:29am

Take your own advice China. I'm right and you're just defending the impossible. Abbott & Co totally stuffed up. As for parliamentary procedure - did you notice that Speaker Bishop rewrites the rules every day? The Senate is not so manipulated but you can't blame PUP for trying to correct something which they were promised and not delivered by the sneaky lying Liberals.

Bill:

whohasthefish:

14 Jul 2014 11:17:08pm

SueB and China, stuffed olive is correct. The LNP government has sewn the seeds of distrust by lying to everyone they have tried to negotiate with. Windsor, Oakeshott, Wilke. Milne among others, and now the PUP Senators have all openly stated that Abbott and Co are deceitful and dishonest.

This distrust in everything they do is now biting them on the butts. No one from any part of the parliament can trust what the LNP say and neither can the Australian people.

The Independent Senator John Madigan has expressed the same sentiments just today.

Lack of trust is the root cause of the stuff ups in parliament last week and this lack of trust can be directly traced to the LNP front bench. They reap what they sow. That's the problem with deceit and lies. People stop trusting your word, as they should.

Stuffed Olive:

15 Jul 2014 9:34:41am

SueB - no you are completely wrong. You are deliberately pretending certain events did not take place. Just like the Libs who insist that Labor said it would scrap the carbon tax. Leaving out the rest of the sentence which said it would be immediately replaced by an ETS.

Bill:

pink feather duster:

15 Jul 2014 2:13:39am

I find it amazing the Coalition are blaming the cross benchers and PUP for the current state of affairs in federal politics. PUP came about when?

The people wanted Labor out, of that there is no doubt. No pundit left, right, or media would disagree with that pulse of the nation. But they ran with a leader that was and still is less popular than the leaders the people wanted out for close to 5 years. Not sure if arrogance, or stupidity, or other. But they brought an unruly parliament on themselves.

Malcolm was a walk in and long term option come 2010 and would have been landslide in the Libs favour all the way back then. They could have negotiated to their hearts content with whoever as they would have had the whole thing wrapped up in a neat little bag for at least a decade and deal with Malcolm privately in the party room in a common sense manner.

The current LNP leader was the wrong decision. They will all look bad being publically associated with him now, and soon enough it will be so. End of. And last time I checked a first term treasurer doesn't ever get a crack at PM either. So maybe for the best all round?

the yank:

You know having a crack at Palmer just shows your level of desperation Zing.

He is shaking things up ... at least for now. Time will tell people saying one thing or another about him is really pointless.

I have no idea if he will be a plus or minus. As far as I can see we now have no price on carbon which places us against the present worldwide trend and I suspect that loss of a carbon price could hurt our businesses.

the yank:

Snake:

15 Jul 2014 6:48:23am

Clive Palmer is the most transparently self-obsessed, self-opinionated and self-interested person who I can ever remember being elected to parliament. Any voter or politician who believes his actions are designed for anything else is just as naive as the people who believed Abbott could be trusted.

the yank:

whohasthefish:

15 Jul 2014 1:45:57am

I think you are correct yank. It is very possible our trading partners may punish our lack of action on climate change.

Interesting that one of the most respected and smartest people in the world, Stephen Hawkins, warns against governments doing nothing on climate change. Who do you reckon has a better handle on the truth of the science, Stephen Hawkins or our own suppository of knowledge, Tony Abbott? I wonder who is right, umm?

As far as Zings desperation is concerned, why am I not surprised that just a few short months after elected he and others cannot find anything positive to say about the LNP?. Could it possibly be that there is actually nothing to be positive about?.

The Concerned Citizen:

14 Jul 2014 10:08:14pm

As far as 'Keeping the Bastards Honest', the Democrats can hardly claim such a title after all the sell-offs they oversaw. In truth there are only 3 politicians and parties that actually fit that bill.

1- Nick Xenophon (currently serving- proposed senate reform bills that are hopefully getting implemented at the time of reading this)

2- Ted Mack (former Senator- advocate of political transparency, and increased democratic participation: demonstrated his opposition to lifelong political pensions by retiring a few days early so he would NOT be a recipient of one himself)

3- Various Greens members (primarily Bob Brown, who may endorse policies many of us disagree with, certainly set an example when it came to the rest of the senate voting in their own pay-rise).

Let's see how Palmer's "honesty" credentials compares to either of these men.

the yank:

14 Jul 2014 3:02:19pm

When the little old conservative women in a conservative seat think that Palmer is more the macho man then the PM it is clear if nothing else that you have people's attention. And if you have that then anything is possible.

Will Palmer be considered a plus like Chipp years from now? God knows but boy he has the attention of the voter and now one hopes Abbott. We all need a functioning government and right now it doesn't look good.

Realist:

14 Jul 2014 5:13:36pm

After six years of dysfunctional government I would suggest we are recovering well. It is early days yet and there is plenty of time for the government to build its credibility as the results of its policies flow through.

The downside is that for each day that goes by the debt and therefore the interest bill increases. But the last six years dictated that no one could fix that in a hurry. It is simply too large.

homerami:

14 Jul 2014 8:41:41pm

Yank, I think the polls show that voters don't like the government but that is the same as three years ago when they resented the then government. The question is what the polls show in a few years from now, will the show the same resentment towards the LNP as they did the ALP last November?If the boats are stoped, the Carbon Tax gone and without too many changes of leadership the polls may be different. What will be interesting is if the PUP does to the LNP what the Greens did to the ALP.

Toc:

15 Jul 2014 7:35:12am

But three years ago, Rupert was trying to destroy then Prime Minister Gillard, but now he is propping up Prime Minister Abbott, yet he is still polling badly.We can lay the blame of Labor's misfortunes at the feet of a vindictive MSM.Who have the LNP got to blame?

pink feather duster:

I have kept close watch on Q & A at the start of the show for a few years now.

It usually stated the studio audience 'Coaltion' was always ahead. Then ALP, then the Greens as a percentage making up the rest of the so called 100% still behind or at best close to.

I used to balance up ALP and Greens togther and they were always still behind the 50% mark behind the 'coalition' that never has +50%. But a close descriptor of election outcomes. The higher number usually wins.

Recently the 'Coaltion' are well below their previous pertentages. And approaching being equal to Labor on its own. And well below ALP + Greens combined, whom they used to beat week in week out, even when combined. Suprised no one picks up Q&A's polls potential. Usually pretty accurate as its a country wide show 'Your ABC' and all that. Or is that too the ABC is only for lefties rubbish the city think tank righties and shock jocks harp on about. Despite the Coaltion being ahead for a long time in the audience poll. Until recently, in which in reality they have fallen steadily?

homerami:

tomtoot:

15 Jul 2014 5:04:01am

@Realist:- Fist of all I'd like to thank John Hewson for what I'd say was a reasonable and accurate comment as to the state of our parliament.But! - Realist - really you must have locked yourself away in a hermit cave for nine months if you don't see that the LNP circus is in Canberra and it's clowns are running amok.

Malcolm:

14 Jul 2014 5:33:52pm

Abbott tried to wreck the parliament and proper government when he was Opposition Leader and he is now effectively accomplishing that task as Prime Minister. If Palmer can make his hopefully short stint as PM as difficult as possible then he has my thanks.

EVAN:

14 Jul 2014 5:34:23pm

I think yank that Palmer has one shot in the locker the carbon tax. Then what be seen to support every populist cause he can find then he has to try and handle the misfits he has in the Senate.Good luck with that.They might find that Clive needs them more than they need Clive.

Malcolm:

14 Jul 2014 7:38:46pm

Maybe he wants to roll Abbott. Palmer doesn't like him or trust him which actually puts Clive in agreement with the majority of Australians. We all forget that Tony Abbott has never held a real job - he has always been at the public, family or education trough all his life. As a political philosopher all he offers is a highly idiosyncratic version of what he thinks Margaret Thatcher was offering and as a person his performance both in Opposition and as PM is dedicated purely to tearing down every thing that generations of Australians have worked to achieve simply because he can, not because he has anything of substance to offer as an alternative.

Abbott's predecessors in the Liberal leadership are disowning him and the current Liberal parliamentarians are developing serious doubts about him. Why else has Joe Hockey been MIA (holiday? pull the other one). Abbott has broken every election campaign promise he made and his Stop the Boats promise is now revealed as simply one of hand back asylum seekers to those they are escaping. He has achieved nothing as a person and offers nothing as PM. The sooner he is gone the better for Australia.

Oaktree:

15 Jul 2014 9:37:58am

I believe you are right, Malcolm, and Palmer is out to get Abbott. This may be a good thing in its way, but then who would step up to fill the vacuum, and would they be Palmer's puppet? No thinking person would want PM Abetz or the Austrian guy. Palmer is also in parliament to protect his own business interests, and once he tires of "public life" he will resign whenever it suits him.

Joe Hockey has been disappointingly hard line and has mislead everyone about the seriousness of the deficit - AAA economy???

The PUP party is such a job lot and all totally inexperienced that I would hope there are enough sensible people in the electorates to appreciate they do not have the necessary skills.

JessC:

14 Jul 2014 9:25:33pm

"Just tighten your seat belts it is going to be an interesting few months if not years"

Oh no! If nothing else, when Abbott looked like a cert to win in 2013 I comforted myself with the consolation that the next 3 yrs would be batshit boring and I could get back to gaming rather than spending hours reading Drum articles to keep up with the latest Gillard/Rudd drama.

I just didn't figure on PUP becoming a force to be reckoned with - who did?- but with hindsight I guess someone who's capable of forming a new political party just months before an election and running candidates in every electorate - as well as the senate - is definitely someone with the focus, drive and *money* needed to emerge as an effective new political force in Australia appealing to the - pun intended - 'underdogs' (y'know, the unemployed, single parents, non-union working poor, etc that Labor shafted and now the LNP is kicking in the guts).

I doubt whether he's angling for a knighthood or LNP leadership. If he swoops up enough 'underdogs' next time he could be PM in his own right and create his own system of honours - Order of the Kennel or something. :)

Helvi:

the egg:

14 Jul 2014 9:31:20pm

Oh Yeh !! This is the Murdoch who and I quote from todays Daily Mail Online said. What does it matter if the Mmaldives go under water ??? Presumably the people who live there might care but hey they could go somewhere else but presumably not here as we're full I'm told. There was also a lot of other rubbish about Abbott being a decent and honourable man and we should be thankful we've got him and we should forget all this alternative energy rubbish and just get on with coal and so on. The man's a nutter

whohasthefish:

14 Jul 2014 5:28:24pm

Nothing can make Abbott and Hockey, Pyne and Morrison, Cormann and Sinodinos, Bishop and Bishop look honest mate. The lies followed by more lies is what this lot will be remembered for no matter how much you and others try to rewrite history.

The very fact that there is a growing list of conservative aligned independents over many years who openly state that Abbott and Co simply cannot be trusted says it all. Conservative PUP Senators only add to that list.

This government was elected based on lies, lies and more lies, and will be punished at the next election for those many LIES.

homerami:

14 Jul 2014 8:57:53pm

Those on the left seem to be trying to get a new definition of the word lies into the dictionary.Lies - Any statement made by members of the LNP, not any similar statement made by the ALP/Greens.Perhaps you are right, voters don't like liars as was demonstrated at the last election.

whohasthefish:

lie (noun) :- a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

I, as many others do, believe that this government was elected based on its election promises, the majority of which have been shown to be LIES.

You can use any definition you like, and you can try to rewrite the history, but in the end the Australian people will judge this government on their many LIES, and remove this blight on our democracy from the great halls of our parliament.

Sandra S:

14 Jul 2014 3:04:33pm

Let me just understand: Would it be true that Emission Trading Scheme is likely to generate about two trillions dollars new commodity on the global stock exchanges? Would it be true that Merchant bankers and the global stock traders and speculators would be able to earn billions from such trades? If that is the case, why would anyone wonder why John Hewson, Malcolm Turnbull, Al Gore and Co. so strongly support the ETS? Simple cause and effect situation being sold as a care for the environment.

Joan:

14 Jul 2014 5:11:22pm

Yep ETS the biggest money making scam invented. There is no evidence base that ETS will change world climate and by 2070 most perpetrators of scam will be either dead and buried or too old to face the music.

Monty B:

Troy T:

15 Jul 2014 12:22:32pm

"...the world`s most eminent science bodies..."

Nah, only the government employed scientists whose research grants depends on scaring us to death by predicting doom and gloom - and the UN body (IPCC) which is set up specifically to promote the global warming scam. We now know why. Ten percent of all money collected from carbon tax goes to the UN. How can you expect unbiased opinion by such vested interests.

Most independent scientist have been telling us for log time that the whole AGW is a global scam.

Craig:

14 Jul 2014 7:14:52pm

My God if your right then this will be the most incredible and elaborate conspiracy theory since nobody actually went to the moon.I am hopeful for the future because such absurd ideas will not prevail over the science and its documented evidence

Aussie Sutra:

Rabbithole:

14 Jul 2014 5:18:12pm

Sandry,

Thats exactly what happens. Imagine if the government made a law regarding future developments of energy, amazing. Thats why they are going for a new tax/commodity, it facilitates more CO2 pollution. Regulation would be far too effective for the ALPLNPPUPGr's.

The government only makes laws to suit themselves, its not about the public interests unfortunately in parliament any more. The gang in charge has taken the biggest election bribes/donations from the NWO.

James Murphy:

14 Jul 2014 8:20:30pm

Yes, but you aren't allowed to say that, or the drooling masses will start calling you a 'denier', or 'flat earther'.

I too wonder why few publicly question the motives of Al Gore despite him being so heavily involved in carbon trading, and why so many are actually happy to spend Australian taxpayers money on unregulated, unsecured, and unaudited carbon credits. Particularly when the loudest anti-bank/anti-big business protestors are strangely all for believing the IMF and their ilk when it comes to climate change, yet also protest in the streets about the actions of this very same organisations... i don't know if it's hypocrisy or just ignorance...

I know we should reduce CO2 emissions, but to date, no one has displayed the political courage to do what is apparently really necessary to actually achieve something in this regard. Be it the carbon tax, an ETS, or the supposed 'direct action' plan, none of it comes close to matching actions to rhetoric, but all of it will make a few people much wealthier.

sidlaw:

Brian Francis:

14 Jul 2014 3:11:44pm

I too believe that there is room for another Political Party!Although, a new Party should not be considered as just a replacement for the established arrangements, but as a buffer between the House of Reps. and The Senate in the form of a Party of Elders.Given that the Senate has become a more vocal and obstructive group in recent times, we should in some way, offer the Senate a more equivocal, balanced view from the House, in order that The Senate can make rational informed decisions on legislation.

losimpson:

14 Jul 2014 3:13:29pm

A good article by Hewson. He makes an interesting observation in the course where he says the two major parties often generate their own evidence which they then use to validate their own arguments. There is another phenomenon closely related to this which is where a participant in a debate seeks to denigrate his or her opponent's views by putting forward an inaccurate analogy and then attacking it rather then the original point.

We are seeing this more and more in political debate both from the politicians and on forums like this. They don't advance the argument one little bit but they need to be identified and highlighted when they occur.

Gordon:

whohasthefish:

14 Jul 2014 9:27:11pm

I don't think John Hewson's credibility has been damaged by this article at all. On the contrary I believe that once most politicians are freed from their, in my opinion, unnecessary party shackles they tend to make sense and be credible.

Its a sad indictment of our parliament that whilst in office, traits like honesty and integrity are compromised to such an extent that the good people, we are assured are in parliament, are discourages and stopped from harnessing their good idea's and intentions for the good of the nation.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think at last count there were many more spin doctors than elected members in parliament.

Get rid of the spin doctors along with professional lobbyists and maybe, just maybe, our system could actually work. Just an idea.

tc21:

14 Jul 2014 3:16:41pm

Clive tells it like it is, he had nothing to lose,this is exactly what Australia needs, the others are too scared to stray from the party lines to be completely honest and upfront with the electorate. What is happening now with the scrapping of that carbon price is shocking, anybody who supports it should be ashamed of themselves, putting profits before the planet is a disgrace, emissions are going down, it is working.

Darren:

15 Jul 2014 9:05:30am

"You know where to draw the line". Are you saying you don't support the dysfunctional senate your hero Abbott depends on and has decided not to reform? Are you saying the coalition should not accept the "tainted vote"of PUP senators to repeal the carbon tax? No? I didn't think so. Are you feeling foolish yet? No? I didn't think so.

Dave:

14 Jul 2014 3:24:32pm

"His personal foibles, values and business interests will come to the fore, and they will need to be explained and managed."

Clive wants nothing to do with explaining his business issues, and he will see no reason to conduct his business any differently now he's pretending to be the Opposition leader. His storm out on the 7.30 Report was the real Clive. He didn't even stay around to listen to the question or discuss why he objected to it.

AE:

14 Jul 2014 6:52:29pm

Politicians' personal financial affairs are supposed to be open to scrutiny, so that we can tell if they are passing legislation to benefit themselves financially.They know that when they run for office, and if they don't want to subject themselves to that scrutiny then don't run......

Robert2:

14 Jul 2014 3:29:27pm

His timing is simply excellent John. I don't think so, I think opportunism and dysfunctionalism have emerged to produce the breed of Clive we are now witnessing.

The very fact that his history is franked by bludgeoning through the courts, or seemingly using any other influential means available to be utilised, due to his wealth, indicates to me the characteristics of an egotistical greed based glutton.

The Chinese whispers that so infuriated him when being interviewed by Sarah Ferguson resulting in Clive walking out, indicated to me, and it is only my opinion, the man is not the altruist he would have the population want to believe he is. Honesty and credibility are not negotiable, and having the representatives and finances to win in courts does not mean justice has been served.

Clive will be judged by outcomes, and realistically I do not think one has to be Nostradamus to envisage Clive serving Clives interests to the best of his abilities being any different in Parliament, than any other business deal he has conjured up and developed in the supposed free enterprise world.

Clownfish:

From the armchair, Palmer is driven simple by his overwhelming arrogance.

The first manifestation of that is his unrelenting vanity; every silly stunt in Parliament has served to keep the spotlight turned on himself.

The second is his vile bullying. Above all, Clive Palmer wants to show the world that he can push even Prime Ministers around.

Like all bullies, he likes to surround himself with a gang of cronies so motley they make him look better by comparison. Like a role-call from the schoolyard we have the loudmouthed lickspittle Lambie, and the dimwitted backup Muir.

Dave:

gbe:

14 Jul 2014 3:34:20pm

What we are really talking about here John is Honesty. The question therefore would be what do politicians consider Honest?

John Howard was called honest John yet he had core and non core promises. Julia Gillard the watch my lips surplus and no carbon tax and Tony Abbott has been as Honest as any politician he has followed into the lodge.

So no given Clive probably has his own version of Honesty"ask the Chinese, I don't think Clive will do very well dealing with political Honesty if the last week is an indicator.

Sir Robert of Lindsay:

15 Jul 2014 12:53:02pm

"Honest John", ironically enough, was bestowed on him by his own party, when as a member of Frazers cabinet he unintentionally helped uncover the bottom of the harbour schemes many of the LNP donars were scamming when the Libs set up yet another inquiry into union corruption in the 1970's.

CC:

14 Jul 2014 3:34:51pm

I agree with the premise of the article but don't see Clive as that force. Nor can I see that in any of the PUP team. Some of the other cross benches have that potential but don't have the resources and charisma of Clive.

When I look into the crystal ball I don't see Clive Palmer having the staying power. I don't see evidence of any longevity in his character. He falls asleep or simply doesn't attend parliament if the spotlight isn't being shone on him.

It's all high energy and whilst Clive is the centre of attention he will stay focused. To be really effective as a third force will involve a lot of staying power and a lot of delicate negotiations.He looks to me like he is ADHD and a bully in negotiations.

My prediction (for what it's worth) is that he will self destruct and go off cursing into the sunset blaming everybody and a conspiracy for his abrupt exit. I predict he would pick up his toys and leave mid term if he felt so outraged at something not going his way.

Tropicacat:

Alpo:

14 Jul 2014 6:13:08pm

Tropicacat, I think that what you see is the Liberal Party in hot pursue of the "forces of the law" telling them to run in hot pursue of Clive Palmer... That's a very different scenario if you think about it.

Le Mec:

14 Jul 2014 8:34:07pm

Agreed. The LNP will be going through Clive's household trash can to see if they can get something on him. That's the Liberal way.

Have a look at the way they concocted trivial evidence against Peter Slipper (who was one of their own). Incidental misuse of a ComCar and yet Abbott the Liar uses our (the voters) money to tour the country riding his bike as was reported last year.

Sir Robert of Lindsay:

15 Jul 2014 1:01:16pm

Palmers mob will go the way of Hanson and her supporters.

Personality parties have a very short shelf life. They rely on a small number of the ill-informed flip-flop vote to get seats in the senate. It will only be a matter of time before Palmer over reaches, and like all matters in life, sunshine will be the best disinfectant for the PUP.

Once daylight is really focused on these morons and the limited attention span of their voters wane, they will see what a ham fisted embarrassment the PUP really are and their support will quickly fade back to one of the major parties again.

It'll take another six to seven years for the full effect of the last insane election to be dispensed with, but we generally tend to get things right eventually.

Mark James:

14 Jul 2014 3:40:26pm

Given Palmer is reportedly still donating to the Coalition Parties and is listed as lifetime member of the Liberals, you have to wonder whether he is a genuine voice of opposition or simply a manufactured showbiz opposition.

It's tempting to see PUP as a kind of safety valve for the "battler" vote which, on being disillusioned with the Coalition, might otherwise have gone to Labor.

I guess we won't know until Palmer puts his Senate votes where his mouth is, but if he proves to be little more in practice than a rubber stamp for unpopular Coalition policies, we might safely say he's never actually left the Liberal fold, but has simply become the dancing face of a false opposition designed to sideline Labor and re-align the political debate to a point where it seems that the natural opposition of the populist right becomes the populist right.

whohasthefish:

Alpo:

14 Jul 2014 6:16:24pm

"Clive is anything but Big End of Town Liberal"... The next State election in Queensland will answer your question. If Newman is gone and Labor wins because the PUP preferences Labor over the LNP in most seats, then we will all have a lot of food for thought....

Stuffed Olive:

Alpo:

14 Jul 2014 6:20:11pm

I agree, although let's not forget that the good Hewson we see now is likely not the same Hewson we would have had as PM; in the same way as the current Malcolm Fraser is not the same as PM Malcolm Fraser.... Time tends to make some people wiser....

Marrow Master:

John:

14 Jul 2014 3:44:06pm

We have four major parties, Liberal-National-Labor-Greens we need a Palmer party like a hole in the head. Maybe any of those four could remove head from rear and start looking at what the electorate wants they could expand. The party I believe that needs some redevloping is the Nationals. If the Nationals have a good base, they could gain bush support fighting mining gas etc and start backing substainable andd free range farming they would win many voters. It would need a new younger dynamic leadership team. You say Clive will keep them honest, I doubt it.

Glen Rusden:

14 Jul 2014 3:44:27pm

I always vote for minor parties or independents, because the origin of the word "Parliament" is Parlez, as in parlay, to talk. The more cross-benchers the better, even if I disagree with them, because the crossbenchers force the government to discuss the issues, and therefore clarify their thoughts. I disagree with Palmer, but he is a great big figurehead for this. Senator Lambie has been criticised for her outspokenness and I'm not sure I'd often agree with her, but her existence in the Senate makes me happy.

fizzer:

14 Jul 2014 3:44:27pm

Palmer keeping the bastards honest? Don't forget Palmer has for most of his career been welded to the hip of said bastards. He was an adviser and confidant to one of the most corrupt politicians in Australian history (you, you, you don't you worry about that). He was also extremely fond of white shoes.Keeping the bastards honest indeed.

Monty B:

14 Jul 2014 3:47:27pm

Honesty is neither here nor there.Palmer?s motivation is to make the LNP suffer for past disagreements as well as his obvious self-interest repealing taxes that impact him. He knows this requires him to also play the popularist game of standing up for this group or that group. I don`t envy his money but I do wish I was having as much fun as he.

TrevorN:

14 Jul 2014 3:49:40pm

The Murdoch media are already starting to undermine Clive Palmers credibility with their little stories casting dispersions at Clive's character. Today the Sydney Telegraph had a front page story alleging that Clive shouted at Senate staff.

This follows them casting stories about his business dealings; his brush with the ABC and etc. It never ends and the constant one sided chip, chip, chip will eventually do to Clive what they did to Rudd, Gillard and earlier to Pauline Hanson whom they engineered out of Parliament and into gaol. The QLD Government are having a go at him too, not to mention the threatened enquiry into the alleged election funds.

Abbott and Co are also putting in the boot wherever they can and unless Clive can outlast them he will soon be toast. It will be touch and go if he can last till the next election. It would not surprise me if the LNP tried to either sack him or expel him like they tried with Thompson and Slipper. The LNP and the Murdoch MSM have the form and should not be underestimated as to how low they will stoop to get rid of a political foe.

Mark James:

14 Jul 2014 5:51:59pm

The fact is though, Tropicacat, the Murdoch press have been gunning for Palmer relentlessly (from June 2012 at least) since he first hinted at a split with the Libs/Nats by criticising their tendency to have paid political lobbyists on their national executives.

Hellen Wheels:

14 Jul 2014 3:52:52pm

I live in Clive's electorate, and while I abhor his disregard for the natural environment (couldn't vote for him on that count) I think he is a good force in parliament. Together the big parties destroyed the Democrats, the Greens, One Nation through whiteanting, character assassination and by luring talent away. We do not deserve the game-playing manure that is served to us from Canberra. Clive is rich enough, up-front enough and whacky enough to be able to stay isolated from the machinations of the Lib/ALP. Long may he be the "disruptive technology" in Australian politics.

Rabbithole:

14 Jul 2014 5:08:53pm

Hellen.

Right on. Lets hope he stays away from the ALPLNP but you can be guaranteed of some horse trading. He may stay away from the ALPLNP financiers because he doesn't need them but he's right in with them on other issues on the conditions of of course he gets his way on various financial interests.

"Long may he be the "disruptive technology" in Australian politics." Lets hope he is only disrupting the ALPLNP game plan and not overly disrupting the people. He needs votes so will appeal to voters over donors which is good thing for our democracy.

It just goes to show where the others are at doesn't it. This is all our democracy amounts to, 2 or three gangs taking money from the same big pot and overthowing demoracy.

Your right about the environment bit, he needs to do way more on environmental matters, increasing the price of carbon and passing it on to consumers is not enough and only facilitates more CO2 pollution, Regulations and laws governing development works a treat though except the ALPLNPPUP could not care less about pollution levels, skyrocketing cancer rates and foreign debt and public asset sell offs.

bagman:

14 Jul 2014 9:42:50pm

Yes , regardless of what you think of him , Clive will be much harder for the major parties to shut up and white ant than former micro parties. His Qld senator was not known for buckling under pressure in sport at the highest level and the Tasmanian lady looks no pushover.

JohnC:

14 Jul 2014 3:56:43pm

The time may be right for the emergence of a new political party but it would be wrong to think that Clive Palmer has the answer. Clive is much to authoritarian to gather the broad base of potential members necessary to gain the confidence of the electorate. Like Pauline Hanson before him he will fade into the political sunset and will be vaguely remembered for his eccentricities rather than his contributions. The way forward surely is by reform of the existing parties and their functions and leadership.

Rabbithole:

14 Jul 2014 5:01:45pm

"The way forward surely is by reform of the existing parties and their functions and leadership."

Nice sentiment but the parties/gangs all work for the same interests and out of the same big pot of money. Change is necessary but isn't going to happen under there leadership. Too much is on the line for the corporations, they will do whatever it takes to quash a democratic rebellion. If it will take a war, they will do it.

Rabbithole:

14 Jul 2014 3:59:11pm

Its funny, we have come to accept that 2 or three gangs was the democratic way of doing things. We use to think that the ALP and LNP both had our best interests at heart and would let them work it out amongst themselves. We were told to choose between the lesser of 2 evils i.e eating chocolate flavored poo or poo flavored chocolate /ALP orLNP.

Then after 50 years and every government in that time failing in the eyes of the public and disclosures like ICAC we worked out that the ALP and LNP where actually working for the same commercial interests and all take money from foreigners to help pay for propaganda to brainwash the masses at election time.

We would be better off with a Constitutional Democracy with no Office of the PM, no Opposition, no voting above the line and no preferences. All these constructs where instituted by the gangs to centralise power and keep democracy out of parliament.

Democracy in parliament would definitely upset the powers that be. Thats pretty much sums it up, the powers that be i.e the big pot of NWO money is far more powerful a force in parliament that any voter or group of voters. The gang that attracts the most donations/bribes wins elections, thats how foreign capitalists have dominate the Public Interest.

But if you own both gangs, you will never loose an election. Thats why Palmer has become a force, the ALPLNPGr's are all working for foreign interests and the public are sick of being sold off and lied to.

A 300% increase in cancer rates in 30 years since the introduction of 2,4-D into the food chain is testament to the fact that dollars speak louder than any voter. Gangs got us into this mess and no gang is going to get us out of this mess.

Huonian:

Yes, the time is right for a genuinely independent third force in politics to keep the two major parties "honest".

But, no, it won't be Clive. He'll flutter for a while, just as Pauline Hanson and One Nation did. But it rarely takes long for folk to recognise a nutter. Hanson was that. As is Clive.

I suspect the best chance of a third force emerging and staying for the long haul would be if some disaffected coalition and Labor MPs formed a grouping.

There's much in both major parties for their better MPs to be disaffected about.

The cronyism and factionalism within the ALP - they've been talking about a fix for years, but it ain't going to happen soon. Not with all those union hacks on the Labor benches.

And the ultra-conservatism that seems to hold so much sway within the Libs must surely make the more enlightened Lib MPs wonder.

We are a natural two party system - although the parties may be Lib/Nat or Labor/Green alliances. So the prospects of a third party rising and competing to become the government are unlikley. But a third force acting as a moderating block - that's feasible.

Stockel:

14 Jul 2014 4:04:11pm

Australia has seen a number of alternative parties flare and fizzle usually led by a high profile leader but ultimately went nowhere. Gordon Barton's Australia Party, Don Chip's Democrats. Steele Hall's Liberal Movement and even Pauline Hanson's One Australia,along with John Singleton's Workers Party all rose as great white hopes as an alternative. We have yet to see whether Bob Brown's Greens will survive in the longer term. I very much doubt if a party led by a petulant millionaire will also last before it collapses. Strange too that Prof Hewson now champions an alternative when he did so much to lurch the Liberal Party to the right in a carbon copy of the American Republicans. The electorate on the whole is too rusted on (and one will merely have to read the comments here) to really support an alternative party. It will take a monumental electoral reform such as proportional representation on the European model before there is any chance in Australian's voting habits.

blax5:

The desire for breaking the duopoly has been here for a while. Now you write "Some will baulk at the risk that wealth can buy power, bringing with it the worst elements of American politics."

It is precisely because he has that wealth that he could go that far. Whether he will abuse it US style we don't know yet. The circumstance that he seemingly has no debt so the finance world and institutions can't hold sway over him is extraordinary.

All other third forces were smashed like Pauline Hanson's One Nation, or was mismanaged like the Democrats. The Greens do not count in my book as a third force.

To me, the ideal Senate would be one where no group has a majority so the government will have to argue for a majority vote in the Senate for all of their legislation.

Sixer:

14 Jul 2014 8:22:51pm

@Blax5Hear HearTrue local representation without the party /media influence would be a wonderful event.Unfortunately that will be impossible with the current system. However history tells us on Bastille Day that the powers to be can only rule for a limited time until the general population takes umbrage. Here are a few ideas for an alternative party to adopt. Zero migration or 471 visas until emplacement falls below 4% All Politicians receive only 2 times the minimum wage Ex Politicians forgo any pensions/ perks if they earn any income after leaving office. Political promises pre-election are to be followed through. Any deviation not forced by the Senate results in a re-election. Slander is no longer Parliamentary privilege

Tom1:

14 Jul 2014 4:08:37pm

Hewson rightfully asks how can policies once endorsed by the majority of Australians later become so toxic. The answer is apparent, Tony Abbott and his ambition to occupy the Lodge, and vested interests.

One of the vested interests of course was Walter Murdoch, who restated that he is against the NBN, the other being mining companies.

We now have a man with no vision for Australia, at war with most of the community, and creating a pretty poor impression with the rest of the world, even though he claims to have many new best friends.

Strange how past Liberal leaders, in retirement seem to have a very poor opinion of the Liberal Party, its leader, and their plans for the future of this country. They are not alone there.

whohasthefish:

14 Jul 2014 4:13:59pm

Confused, I am.

Reading between the lines, one is given the distinct impression John Hewson, like Malcolm Frazer, Brendan Nelson, and even Malcolm Turnbull seem to all be very concerned about the direction of the far right Liberal party under Tony Abbott.

These days they all have one thing in common. They all seem to be way way left of the present Liberals views and seem more comfortable with and aligned to the centre right of the Labor Party.

Even more confusing.

The very fact that a billionaire coal baron is running a campaign based on fighting for a fair go for the less fortunate, pensioners, stay at home mums and mining companies is a bit surreal. Its confusing to say the least.

If we are to believe Clive (big if) then his politics seem to be somewhere between up and down rather than left or right.

I think this is what is confounding most pundits and has got the Media in a spin as whilst he may be entertaining, he has redefine the very notion of left/centre/right politics, with a whole new confusing up/down paradigm.

Total confusion reigns.

The question is, if we rely on Clive to keep the bastards honest, just who do we rely on to keep him honest ?

JessC:

"what is confounding most pundits and has got the Media in a spin ..... he has redefine[d] the very notion of left/centre/right politics, with a whole new confusing up/down paradigm"

Doesn't confound me as I've said umpteen times here over the years that a lot of people, including myself, just don't fit that mould and see the ALP and LNP as being twinlike (i.e. Labor had 6 years to repeal all the middle-class and corporate welfare and cut the tax rorts but didn't, and it proposed most of the draconian measures that the LNP is now putting forward in its budget - need I say more?).

The socialist parties (and to some extent the Greens) are good on social policies, but their attitude towards capitalism, nationalism and internationalism is so last century that it's mouldy.

That a mining magnate can champion the less fortunate is only surreal if you think all capitalists are evil. Some yes, all no. :)

Dan:

14 Jul 2014 4:14:26pm

Voters are frustrated by the way the leaders of the major parties are "elected". In the US the most popular candidate becomes leader of that party. Here, from an outsiders perspective it's done by internal power plays or deals.

So we end up having to vote for people we don't like all that much. Tony Abbott? Bill Shorten? No thanks. Albanese and Turnbull would be an election I could get excited about though.

In my opinion Clive's momentum is based on a rebellion of internal party politics.

Adelaide Rose:

15 Jul 2014 2:02:48am

The last thing we want is the ridiculous US two year election roundabout. Voting for the leader in the same way Americans do is an absurd idea. The ALP is kind of on the right path with their new system however there are clear wrinkles that need to be ironed out.

Tom1:

15 Jul 2014 10:02:19am

Dan: Cannot agree about the American system. Money has too big a part to play.

The truth is that no method is perfect, and that adopted in Australia has its faults. Proof of that is the election of Tony Abbott by one vote over Turnbull. What was the cause of that? Abbott at one time was considered a joke when mentioned in the same breath as conjecture of future prime ministers. Turnbull was the leader, has the persona appearance, and intelligence to be so. What happened? Vested interests of course. Abbott is paying back the debt today, even if it does reposition the nation back in the time of the arc. But that is ok Tony believes in it.

IanM:

14 Jul 2014 4:14:59pm

"keep the bastards honest?" Mark Latham once said of Kevin Rudd that "those who know him best, like him least". If honesty is the issue, perhaps Clive's Chinese business partners would paraphrase that to "trust him least". Still, seeing Clive on a stage with Al Gore, two of the largest carbon footprints on earth, getting a bunch of Greens excited, reminds us of his connection with Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Feeding the chooks indeed! It would seem that John Hewson is likewise not immune from the Palmer "charm".

I suppose next Hewson is going to tell us that Clive's six bedroom, 11 bathroom, 22 car garage Queensland residence in the gated waterfront Gold Coast suburb of Sovereign Islands makes him a man of the people. Then again, if you've got a coal mine and a nickel refinery, why not a political party?

Still, can Clive "be trusted to hold the balance of power?" That might just be a wafer-thin mint too far for the Mr Creosote of Australian politics. Better get a bucket. I think we're going to need it.

DavidG:

Harquebus:

garybenno:

14 Jul 2014 4:17:34pm

In my opinion Clive will be much more interested in advancing his mining interests and keeping bastards honest would probably apply as much to himself as any body else in politics. The success of PUP is far more likely to add another 50 or so names to the Senate voting ticket and force more people to choose above the line voting. Once there is more than 50-70 names on the voting sheet the chances of accidently invalidating your vote increases if you choose to sort through preferences yourself. Single issue senators may well develop a wider interest in the whole spectrum of Australia's community but the problem is we don't get to find out their developed agenda until they are already voted in. The problem is greater when a single issue agenda is given space so that the government can have other unpalatable doctrines passed.

Oaktree:

14 Jul 2014 4:19:36pm

Whatever Clive may get up to, and that could be anything, the fact remains that removal of the Carbon Tax will not result in great savings to the public at large outside of actual energy retailers. Already Qantas and Woolworths are claiming they absorbed the Carbon Tax and therefore have no reason to reduce their prices.

If the tax had so little impact on these major players, why are we repealing it or failing to move to carbon trading? Energy prices will be taking a great hike shortly in any case, with gas being sold off shore and no government retaining supplies for Australians to avoid a 70% increase in domestic gas prices. Nor are they taxing the sales to subsidise domestic consumers.

I for one, thoroughly object to the Direct Action alternative. No prizes for guessing who does best out of that scheme, and it certainly is not the electorate whom politicians are supposed to be representing.

Adelaide Rose:

15 Jul 2014 2:06:09am

There is nothing to gain from getting rid of the carbon tax and absolutely everything to lose. This is one of Abbott's most shortsighted and foolish moves and Palmer, Xenophon and the other crossbenchers are absolute idiots for going along with it.

Rational:

The carbon tax is probably the most ridiculous tax invented. It's a tax on both consumption and production, and it only applies domestically.

If one is against stupidity like the carbon tax, it doesn't automatically follow one doesn't accept climate change.

Improving the environment stand a better change by attempting to make society richer. Financially hurting people and businesses as the dopey carbon tax does, will not result in a better nation or environment.

All in all the carbon tax has been little more than a special type of dumb.

Harquebus:

14 Jul 2014 4:21:18pm

No party has policies that will work because they listen to economists and not to physicists nor to geologists. Peak oil mates, peak oil. This is why they all fail and will continue to. Clive Palmer will be no exception.

Harquebus:

15 Jul 2014 8:09:58am

I agree. I am hoping that with the realisation of peak oil that, all of the associated problems will also be addressed. Population control is the single biggest thing we can do to alleviate environmental destruction and resource depletion.

samantha:

Caffettierra Moka:

14 Jul 2014 4:29:54pm

Honest? You might want to run that by his business partners. The ones with the rapidly disappearing sinking fund. The fund that Clive signed out cheques for worth over 10 millions, that he now: 'could not recall whether he signed the cheques'. Yep, he's going to make a difference. Like the difference a bucket of kero makes to a small fire.

Malcolm:

14 Jul 2014 4:41:35pm

If Mr Palmer makes the remainder of Abbott's political career a misery then he will have my thanks and vote. I would even go so far as to suggest that he would, if he accomplishes that happy task, have the well-deserved thanks of all Australia.

meredith:

14 Jul 2014 4:41:51pm

Interesting commentary. I agree that the time is ripe for a political force that taps in to the community and just how we want our country to move forward. The ALP which are trying to find its feet should now look at just what they stand for, who they stand for and if they want to be a viable alternative. We actually know what the Coalition stand for - they have shown themselves to be a right wing conservative party governing for the very few, whose less wealthy constituency wrongly believe are the party looking after them. What happens when that constituency works this out.

me thinking:

14 Jul 2014 4:42:05pm

I don?t vote for any political party anymore.

I have given up on the idea of voting for a politician in the hope they will save us from another politician.

First we voted for Kevin Rudd to save us from John Howard, and then we voted for Julia Gillard to save us from Kevin Rudd, and then we voted for Kevin Rudd to save us from Julia Gillard, and then we voted for Tony Abbot to save us from Kevin Rudd, and now we might have to vote for Clive Palmer to save us from Tony Abbot.

It just goes on and on, and instead we should be aiming towards more direct democracy systems, to reduce the number of politicians, or eliminate them entirely.

Interesting the UK has developed a Commission on Digital Democracy to report back in January 2015.

A pity it was not in January 2014, and we could use their recommendations right now in Australia to free us from politicians and their political parties.

ShevermiN:

14 Jul 2014 4:47:23pm

Dear John please don't try to give any credibility to Clive and his PUP colleagues.. They are just a sad result of Tony Abbotts toxic brand of politics.. Tony did such a good job of making the vast majority of Australians hate politicians. Hate politicians soo much that they are willing to vote for Clive in such vast numbers that he now holds the balance of power. And after the QLD state election and the next federal election I would expect him to hold the balance in QLD, poor Newman, and at least another two federal senators, maybe three.

Clive is only about Clive and no one else, but we have Clive because of Tony. And Clive is only there until Tony has a complete meltdown in public then his job will be done. Unless Clive has a massive heart attack first.

Tony thought he could make us all hate Labor politicians but forgot that he is one to. He may have won government but the swing doesn't lie, and the swing against Labor in the last two elections did not end up with Tony. PUP is the only party that can claim a mandate..

Clive is a sad joke on us all but he's only there because of Tony Abbott because Tony made us hate..

T J Maller:

You could not at this stage even remotely compare Palmer with Don Chipp, he is however, keeping them honest to a degree.

For many years I voted for the same party, but, at the last federal election went with an independent as I had become so disillusioned with the party I had supported, and the alternative.

Both the ALP and Libs have only themselves to blame for the current situation and unless a meaningful move is made to pre-select `real' people instead of `professionals' then both will have to deal with crossbenches, each with their own pet agendas.

TNBB:

14 Jul 2014 4:56:18pm

You know for nearly two decades the Greens have created havoc in in federal and state parliaments around the country. They have blackmailed governments both state and federal into passing legislation which has not been in the national interest nor even remotely democratic but few in the media have complained; some (e.g. ABC) have championed the ideological cause!

Now it is someone else who has the balance of power and one would think the world is about to end: the conservatives are whining because Palmer has taken some of their heartland vote whereas the left are outraged because it is not them doing the blackmailing! And both sides are being cheered on by their respective media arms (News etc for conservatives and ABC/Fairfax for the left).

Well from this voters point of view: bring it on; lets have the political revolution and rid the landscape of political parties who first allegiance is to the Party and a media who ignore the most basic requirement for a democracy to survive: an informed voter!!

Harquebus:

TNBB:

14 Jul 2014 8:12:56pm

Huh?

If you are trying to say that the Greens represent the environment then you are sadly misguided. While at the very start people like Cohen and Brown may have had their messianic vision of the "environment" at forefront then you may be correct. However the extreme left like the Stalinist Rhianon et al took over the reins of the Greens a long time ago.

clete:

14 Jul 2014 4:56:42pm

I'd suggest that anyone thinking Clive Palmer is a serious alternative political option for this country, should conduct their own comprehensive research into the mans probity and business ethics/skill. I have, and I don't, for one second, like what I see. But - each to their own!!

jk22:

However of course I must say that I baulked a little upon reading of the timing-share likeness of The Big Man, The P Man, with Don Chipp!

Mr Chipp had much more style and substance as a person, both public and private. He also could bandy with the best in verbal skilling and discourse. And he knew Government. He knew and cared about the people's lot.

Two very different men - but each man of their times. And I think many high standards have become de-regulated, diminished, debased and dismissed. Hence the appearance of Mr Big and his little cohort.

Mr Big, Mr Palmer, will I surmise serve a purpose in the longer term. For that I hope I can be grateful.

Tropicacat:

14 Jul 2014 5:18:26pm

I think even posing what is a fatuous and ridiculous question says more about John Hewson than anything else. Like a slightly younger version of a very addled Malcolm Fraser he desperately seems to be seeking relevance.John, the answer to your question as a five year old would know is no, no never, no not in a million years, no you must be kidding No well I'm sure you've got the message.

Malcolm:

14 Jul 2014 7:40:55pm

Maybe Palmer wants to roll Abbott. Palmer doesn't like him or trust him which actually puts him in agreement with the majority of Australians. We all forget that Tony Abbott has never held a real job - he has always been at the public, family or education trough all his life. As a political philosopher all he offers is a highly idiosyncratic version of what he thinks Margaret Thatcher was offering and as a person his performance both in Opposition and as PM is dedicated purely to tearing down every thing that generations of Australians have worked to achieve simply because he can, not because he has anything of substance to offer as an alternative.

Abbott's predecessors in the Liberal leadership are disowning him and the current Liberal parliamentarians are developing serious doubts about him. Why else has Joe Hockey been MIA (holiday? pull the other one). Abbott has broken every election campaign promise he made and his Stop the Boats promise is now revealed as simply one of hand back asylum seekers to those they are escaping. He has achieved nothing as a person and offers nothing as PM. The sooner he is gone the better for Australia.

clete:

15 Jul 2014 8:31:18am

The fact that Palmer has jumped on the "Let's hate Tony Abbott" bandwagon, indicates that Clive thinks he's on the winning side of public opinion. And, he probably is - at the moment.But just watch him jump ship when the polls start to reflect the publics disenchantment with Labor/Greens.How silly do Shorten and Milne sound when they have a go at the government for not repealing the Carbon Tax? The very tax they introduced! It's hilarious!

Tom1:

15 Jul 2014 10:24:44am

clete: You have made the most improbable comment to date, in your forlorn hope that the polls will show a renewed support for Abbott. He has been there, and lost it. The real wonder is how he really got there. All of the whistle stop exaggerations are now coming home to roost. There is not a chance in the world that the average household will be $550 better off now that he has wrecked our only environmental legislation.

It is going to take someone a lot smarter than Abbott to put the Liberal party on the right track, but unfortunately for them the only one capable has already been once knifed.

However it will be interesting to see the political scene from the Coalition's point of view when, in about 12 months, only about half of the budget, or less has past the Senate, and the country is in worse debt than when they took over.

Political survival is likely to see the demise of Abbott, and the wheel turn a full circle.

Stephen S:

14 Jul 2014 5:27:31pm

I wouldn't hesitate to vote for Mr Palmer! The other major parties have PROVED beyond doubt, that they CANNOT manage the Australian Economy, in the interests of the MAJORITY of Australian people. When political parties move away from the people and into bed with the eltie and Corporate giants, then it is well past the time to vote them out of office. So yes, now is the time for Palmer, and I must state here, that he is the ONLY person (and Katter) to suggest any MEANINGFUL structural reforms. EG: Put tarrifs on imported foods and goods, capable of being produced in Australia. That is just one meaniful job creation through reform suggested by Mr Palmer! And if he happens to ditch our political ties to the US, then he will certainly guarentee my vote for him!

Joan:

14 Jul 2014 5:28:10pm

The average cartoonist sums up Clive the man he is , his messy politics, his business activity, better than 99% political commentators. Clive has nowhere to hide when it comes to the cartoonist- they strip him bare . Pity 99% commentators don`t wake up.

Steve_C:

"They increasingly pursue personal, party and short-term political interests at the expense of the national interest."

Ain't it interesting that a former LNP leader should diss on both political parties!

So what were you doing when you had the chance to change things John? Navel gazing?

As for seeing Clive as a breathe of 'fresh air'... Don't make me laugh!

The fact that a former leader of our major conservative political party sees a 100% conservative as a breathe of fresh air in the political system (ah yes; of course, toss in some reservations lest it be way too apparent how unsubtle the attempt at manipulation is!) ought to come as zero surprise - yet I see not one comment so far, pointing out that an article that has at it's core the droning rhythm of the "it's the right time for a new political force" drums, is in fact nothing more than a giant declaration of the delusion doing the rounds at present of current and former conservatives of the primacy of the conservative way in this great southern land...

What a pile of piffle!! It's like reading a very verbose prose sonnet to the oversized flavour of the conservative month. What a giant hug-fest of conservative bro-luv!!

And even more disgusting is just how the desire to suck off the gravy train teat infests all of them; even as they mouth their derision of those they deem "leaners"... whilst touting themselves as "lifters"!! Hypocrites.

Jimmy Necktie:

FlapDoodle:

14 Jul 2014 5:54:06pm

It is conceivable, but not likely, that Mr Palmer and his party might survive in the medium term. Mr Palmer has self-image and attention deficit problems and his party colleagues are a disparate bunch probably prone to going their individual ways on any number of issues and at any time. In the longer term, once these party members become tribalised in the prevailing parliamentary ethos Mr Palmer will need more than a cattle prod and sleight of hand to keep them in line.These problems will become more pronounced at time goes by as Mr Palmer will require a continuous stream of rabbit out-of-the-hat moments to keep both his electoral support and parliamentary colleagues engaged in his cabaret.Mr Palmer is a different type of politician to those we have become accustomed to in recent years. He is not there to push a political ideology but his erratic, careering barrow of self-interest. In that sense it will be difficult for any other party to do deals with him in the longer term as they will quickly become tainted by association with this loose cannon.

SVJ:

al:

14 Jul 2014 6:06:35pm

While I agree that there is an opening for a new political force, disengagement is present on both the right and left of the spectrum.I cannot see one party tapping into the pool of disenchantment. Maybe a splintering of representation might occur, as in Germany or Italy.Palmer cannot appeal to all sections of disenchantment, unless he persists in making policy on the run.

Alpo:

14 Jul 2014 6:08:30pm

"obsessed to merely win the 24-hour media game by playing short-term, opportunistic, increasingly personal, mostly negative, point-scoring politics."... Sorry John , but that's the description of the Liberal Party under Abbott, not of the Labor Party. If anything, Labor may be criticised for having been too slow under Rudd and Gillard to counteract the media game of the Abbottite/Murdochite Liberals.

I agree with you that the WA Senate election sent a clear message to BOTH major Parties and that the People are fed up with rhetorical games and want their problems solved, hence your correct predictions for Vic, Qld and perhaps also NSW. But I don't see the PUP as a long-term political alternative. My impression is that the PUP will have an anti-One Nation effect on the Liberal Party, by dragging the current loony extremist combination of old fashioned and discredited Neoliberalism and Conservatism towards the more moderate and enlightened classic Liberalism. My hope is that Palmer will activate people like you, Turnbull and the like to save the Liberal Party from itself. Once Palmer has done that, he will become redundant, and I am sure that he will happily retire from politics to take care of his businesses and perhaps establish some charities.... as his mission will be accomplished.

So, this is my suggestion: Pauline Hanson indirectly dragged the Liberal party to the Right, Palmer will indirectly drag the Liberal Party more towards the Centre. If the Liberal Party doesn't respond.... they will be in very, very big troubles!

Blueboy:

14 Jul 2014 6:09:47pm

John Hewson when you can refer to your own brilliant successful political history I will listen to what you say. Until then my assessment is if this guy managed to lose the "unlosable election" then anyone believing any political analysis he writes has rocks in his head.

Clive Palmer in a position to make a difference to Australian politics? What? John Hewson believes Palmer is capable of adding something of value to Australian politics.No wonder Keating found it so easy "to do this man slowly" Any wonder the ABC love this guy and he isn't smart enough to realise why? How is that birthday cake going?

Malcolm:

14 Jul 2014 7:43:39pm

Maybe he wants to roll Abbott. Palmer doesn't like him or trust him which actually puts Clive in agreement with the majority of Australians. As a political philosopher all he offers is a highly idiosyncratic version of what he thinks Margaret Thatcher was offering and as a person his performance both in Opposition and as PM is dedicated purely to tearing down every thing that generations of Australians have worked to achieve simply because he can, not because he has anything of substance to offer as an alternative. Abbott himself has never held a real job.

Abbott's predecessors in the Liberal leadership are disowning him and the current Liberal parliamentarians are developing serious doubts about him. Why else has Joe Hockey been MIA (holiday? pull the other one). Abbott has broken every election campaign promise he made and his Stop the Boats promise is now revealed as simply one of hand back asylum seekers to those they are escaping. He has achieved nothing as a person and offers nothing as PM. The sooner he is gone the better for Australia.

Patrick:

14 Jul 2014 6:29:49pm

Democracy in this country is in deep jeopardy when someone can buy their way into a position of power and have a major influence on the way this nation is structured and the passing of any new legislation.

Forrest Gardener:

GrumpiSkeptic:

14 Jul 2014 6:35:21pm

Mr. Clive Palmer will make Tony Abbott's days miserable. Can the ALP be rubbing their hands in great joy because of that? No. If Palmer can do that to Abbott, he will do the same to whoever in government, in future.

All the talk of budget black-holes, red and green tapes, lifters and leaners will come to nil as Palmer will exact as much pain as he sees fit to Abbott. Mr. Abbott definitely needed some good advice on dealing with others. Last week, the day the Carbon Tax was "supposed" to be abolished, he declared :" Today is the day!". And it wasn't. Then he informed us that: "The new senators are 'inexperienced'". How about waving a red rag ?

Ms. Jacqui Lambie took exception to the "inexperienced" comment. I bet many other new senators did too.

Then Abbott did a spin of his own and told us, falsely, of course, that: "It was normal" for the senate to behave like that. Well, I doubt it.

I suspect some people are taking delight in the fact that what Abbott got is what Ms. Gillard copped regularly from the LNP supporters.

I wonder what the political scenes will be like if Abbott and Palmer were mates. Perhaps Abbott should shout Palmer a meal in a Chinese restaurant. Give it a try. I doubt Palmer will decline a wholesome meal. What about a $3,000 bottle of 1987 vintage Grange ?

Forrest Gardener:

NWM:

14 Jul 2014 7:24:44pm

Palmer has fundamental conflicts of interest between the common good and his mining businesses. He is therefore vulnerable to being manipulated by the Coalition and big business and will not be the right person to do the right thing. Look at his muddled thinking about the carbon tax - were he clearly committed to CO2 emmissions reduction he would have refused to repeal anything or change the ETS unless it were to bring it forward to start now. But it suits his business interests to not have to pay the carbon tax, and ditto for the mining tax. Such conflicted thinking means he'll be unable to have the moral compass that to keep the bastard liberals honest (impossible task anyway).It's a nice thought, being rescued by someone, but it will be up to the Australian people to kick out these destructive Liberals and take the responsibility for doing so - no point relying naively on some sort of Palmer saviour. Palmer had his chance, he has failed the first test, in my view.

Polly Wolly Doodle:

14 Jul 2014 7:45:34pm

Clive Palmer is talking talking one way, and acting the other way. He was always going to vote to repeal the carbon tax. He is in the coal business. He is in the emitting business, and will not abide having a cost imposed on it. So does anyone seriously believe he is committed to emissions reduction, or a RET? Does anyone seriously believe he has a commitment (or a policy) re the environment - in any form?

And we should not forget he is a showman.."roll up roll up!", and like the man he most admires, the late disgraced Joe Bjelke Petersen, he is happily 'feeding the chooks' (the media) who are 'rolling up'.

ty:

14 Jul 2014 7:46:12pm

I never voted for John Hewson but I must say this is an excellent article.It's bang on with telling what the problems are with the major parties and why PUP is the dark horse coming up from behind that both parties need to take seriously.

My only concern is Clive himself. Is he the man of the moment or is he just so much posturing and lack of the right stuff when it'll really count? He's hardy a Don Chip.

Does Clive really care about boat people or pensioners?Would he walk away from them and their need if the wind blew the other way?

True all politicians will do this but Clive does seem somewhat more of a loose cannon than most and that is worrying.

anote:

14 Jul 2014 7:49:41pm

Palmer may have influence but ...

... privately paid for his 'representational' influence.... is lucky to be in a position to influence the balance of power.... appears to be in it for his own benefit and not demonstrated any consistency or broad understanding about anything else or even that he really cares about equity.... may be a thorn in Abbott's side but has a lot to do to show he is any better than Abbott.

It is possible but so far it just looks like wishful thinking or provocative writing that Palmer will "deliver the focus, discipline and structure needed to emerge as an effective and sustainable third political force in Australia" at all, let alone for the for the right reasons. The current situation is more likely to provoke a different new political force but that is wishful thinking too.

phil:

Anthony:

14 Jul 2014 8:20:22pm

When you look at what is happening in the country - the clowns that pass for leaders or in positions of influence, I just keep thinking of that line...'Australia is a lucky country run by a bunch of ........clowns'......

Tony Grant:

Stephen W S:

14 Jul 2014 8:33:15pm

Palmer could be this generations Don Chipp or its Pauline Hanson. Pup could be the new Democrats or could be a new version of the Hanson party. It is early days and it all depends on Clive Palmers performance throughout this 3 year term as well as the PUP Senators performance over their 6 year term. Time will tell so lets wait and see.

foolking:

14 Jul 2014 8:44:53pm

If Clive really wants power he could get involved in cleaning up; donations, ICAC ramifications, a code of critical thinking for paid media, refugees,environment and lead a tax discussion, he's in. .let alone reconciliation.

When the weight of his efforts become more self interest he knows there's nowhere to hide.

This is good times in politics, who ever is seen to be co operating and willing to put forward good policy wins.

Chillax69:

14 Jul 2014 9:14:50pm

When he stood next to Al Gore just a very recent couple of weeks ago, I thought "wow, this bloke may just be the real deal after all", but alas, now he is backing out of his high profile promise and turns out to be just another polotician who promises the world and delivers nothing but disappointment. Well Clive, you had a chance, and you blew it.

Treetop:

14 Jul 2014 9:26:48pm

In Australian politics , if you want to be successful and get the protest votes , the essential ingredient is a large advertising , the same , if you have a soft drink in a can and other brands on the supermarket shelf are identical, only by a large advertising budget will you get results and a large market share and brand recognition . Mr Rudd when he was prime minister lost more support in one week than in a year when the mining companies started an advertising campaign against him over his mining tax.Australians in general are very easily influenced by large advertising campaigns and the news media like Murdochs news front page headlinesAnyone can start a new political party and get results as long as they have a good advertising campaign and the money to fund a large advertising campaign .Money will buy you a place in Australian politics .Coming up to the 2013 Federal election , it looked like the Bob Katter party was going to get the protest votes but because his party didn't have a large amount of money to put into advertising it failed to get many votes , what got Mr Palmer a lot of support in the last week of the 2013 Federal election campaign was his parties large advertising budget . In Australia , there are two major supermarket chains like there are two major political parties , people often shop elsewhere than the two major supermarkets but in the long term , many people drift back to the two major supermarkets because of their large advertising campaigns of weekly specials , the same with the two major political parties , many voters can vote for minor parties but in the long term , the major political parties often get voters back when they offer a better leader and better policies .The Labor party is a party of substance that has many , many decades of being established and historical traditions , The Palmer Party will be here today and gone , mostly likely within 6 years as people are mostly voting for P.U.P as a protest against the two major parties and Mr Palmer's erratic personality doesn't come across as someone who is suitable for long term stable government .I wouldn't be surprised if Mr Palmer has a quick demise from the Australian political landscape , all brought about by his own actions .

foolking:

Maybe we are entering an age of spiritualism, where the individual within the organization will be able to speak freely and thoughtfully.[no snorting

The difference is it is the Internet that keeps the bastards honest,

Religions; kindly leave recruitment and sloganeering at the door, say something sensible ,ie, sitting on the floor[refugees] is a real gesture but speaking wisely on issues is the only real way of showing that you are not just players.

punch:

Mr Palmer - my son and I request you reconsider you use your numbers to implement an ETS.

Abbotts mob continue to misuse the word 'mandate'.

I voted for and strongly believe in a carbon price moving to an ETS because its good for business, good for employment, good for the environment and good for the future of Australians. I voted with knowledge, never swayed by false slogans.

All polls show Abbotts LNP have lost all credibility and political capital. Deluded Abbotts imaginary mandate has vanished, gone, kaput.

Friday Abbott dodged the best media question to date ? Mr Abbott don't you think its time to get in touch with Ms Julia Gillard to seek advice on how to negotiate."

There?s still time to slowly, sensibly rewind to the moment Julia Gillard said 'There will be no carbon tax under a government I lead, but let me be clear: I will be putting a price on carbon and I will move to an emissions trading scheme.?

This was spoken prior to the election & eventual outcome of a hung parliament; whereby the skilful Ms Gillard effectively negotiated with the Greens & Independents to form a stable government.

Julia Gillard told the truth.

Well - what goes round comes round. Bullyboy Abbott went in so hard on our exceptional Ms Gillard along with his shock jocks & News Ltd who screamed so many falsehoods they managed to train Australians to hate Ms Gillard because she was an intelligent, smart progressive, interesting and effective female Prime Minister. A huge loss to our political landscape. Pure quality.

Its now public knowledge arrogant Abbott failed due to his refusal to negotiate and born to rule attitude. Bob Brown arrived for a meeting to find Abbott arms crossed & feet up on the table. Revealed the true measure of Abbott.

Bad boy Abbott spat the dummy & decided to be a wrecker rather than a builder.

In reference to the new senate; Barnaby Joyce arrogantly said ?Don't these people realise they are messing with our country.'

Well Barnaby et al - its their country too and you're messing with my beautiful country and millions of Australians don't like any party gaining power through mendacity, cunning and thuggery.

Behind closed doors; all new senators are being manipulated by divisive Abbott and his bullyboys demanding votes for his ill-formed ideology to dismantle excellent social & economic reforms for all Australians.

On a dumber note pass-the-buck Abbott now blames Bill Shorten rather than Palmer.

Excuse me, why would Shorten vote against Labors successfully developed & implemented carbon policy. Its effective, working and the envy of many Western countries who want to follow suit.

punch:

14 Jul 2014 11:11:13pm

Hewson,

I disagree with you - Labor fought for strong, firm, effective action against climate change with a carbon price moving to an ETS, slowly increasing pollution reducing targets and investing in renewables.

You know Abbott has gained power by mendacity & thuggery. The royal family have planted more trees than Abbott since he's been in power.

I have knowledge, I'm informed and know Australians have been totally misled by Abbotts mob - that's your mob John.

Right now your interest is to make money from clean energy - why don't you advise Palmer into investing his billions into renewables.

If you could achieve this - Australians would have a better future but right now we're stuffed because self-interest & greed overrides the national interest.

neil:

14 Jul 2014 11:38:52pm

Palmer is going about politics the same way he does business, he is a thug and a trickster. I would use much stronger language but the ABC don't have the guts to take him on in the inevitable law suit he would bring. He makes a promise and when his dupe has committed he changes his position a little bit, they don't like it but they go with it, then he changes again and again and again. Now his patsy is so far in that they can't afford to bail, ask the Chinese, $500M. Then he twists the knife and sucks more out of them.

He claims he is a billionaire but he has to redirect funds from an investor to pay a mere $12M in campaign costs?

Palmer is a man of straw, he talks himself up to those who listen, but has nothing to deliver. The Penultimate politician for the gullible masses.

clete:

15 Jul 2014 9:05:22am

Couldn't agree more, Neil.The sad thing is that Labor and the Greens are giving this buffoon all the air he needs. I guess it's a strategy of "the enemy of my enemy, is my friend". That's all well and good for the short sighted Abbott haters, but it's a disaster for the country when a man of Palmers integrity is wielding the law making sword.

asgard:

14 Jul 2014 11:42:59pm

The burning question here is who is going to keep Clive honest? What a conglomeration we have in this Parliament - Phony Tony who could not lie straight in bed, Eric Abetz, George Brandis and worst of them all - Messrs Morrison and Andrews. Whoops I forgot the class clowns Barnaby and Christopher. I will not deny that the other mob has a few loose screws but nothing to compare with our benevolent Government. The word "benevolent"really doesn't fit. Whoops again I forgot good old generous Joe.

Dove:

15 Jul 2014 9:35:00am

The only things that the LNP and ALP can ever agree on are parliamentary pay rises and the exclusion of minor parties and independents. Both sides stand shoulder to shoulder when it comes to muscling new players out of the political game. Now, as well as the normal situation of having MPs doing the bidding of their plutocratic masters, we have a plutocratic MP! Cut out the middle man.

Aussie Jock:

15 Jul 2014 10:04:56am

The LNP are behind 56.5-43.5% in the Morgan poll and behind in even Murdoch's Newspolls.

If they had hoped that voters would lose their anger and forget at being betrayed (before the next election), the periodic milestones of when draconian cutbacks hit the disadvantage is going to negate that.

Personally I hope that this government gets tossed out early and we can return to the investment in people's health and education and the advancement of Australia rather than this ridiculous retardment.

If Clive acts and is recognised by the public in protecting them from these LNP attacks on their lives, he will remain a strong force for at least another election.

Seriously:

15 Jul 2014 10:15:17am

Seriously, you think a man whose modus operandi is best illustrated by his treatment of the Clerk of the Senate - just do what you're told, regardless of the legalities, the obligations of your role, your experience and knowledge - is capable of doing anything other than self-destructing?

Rick:

15 Jul 2014 10:18:06am

Interesting theory but I suggest that it errs in one fundamental area. People don't really want things explained. The attention span of the average voter is the 30 second sound grab on TV then it's on to Mast Chef or the footy.Real reform would require massive cuts to superannuation tax concessions, abolition of negative gearing, cuts to private school funding, abolition of the Health Insurance Rebate, introduction of a wealth tax. These are only the economic matters. Taken together they would abolish the deficit and go a long way to paying debt.Of course none of it will happen. The vested interests, banks, private instance companies, media moguls would be out constantly hounding down the concepts and those standing to benefit most - the general citizen would meekly nod and say how outrageous and radical the ideas were. The bottom line is everybody wants their snout in the trough and will walk over anybody who gets in their way.

Geoff:

15 Jul 2014 10:35:57am

Don Chipp won support as he was credible, rational and capable of negotiating.Clive Palmer is rich, but lacks those other 3 important skills.He will do OK in the short term, as he can bankroll campaigns. Sadly money buys power in our electoral system. Selling political parties is like selling soap powder: advertise enough and the people will follow.But I can't see Palmer lasting 3 elections, let alone 3 decades.He is physically unhealthy, a heart attack waiting to happen.And he's crazy. He changes his mind with every breath he takes.People may be fed up with the 2 major parties because they don't stand for much, and can't be trusted.But Palmer is far worse, and the novelty of a lunatic with the balance of power will wear off pretty fast.